Trainer script for InfoTrac Junior

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Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, MeL Training Materials

InfoTrac Junior Edition

updated 7/09 SR

INTRODUCTION:

InfoTrac Junior Edition is a “smaller” database derived from General Reference Center Gold, but designed more with the middle school student in mind. It searches the same way using the PowerSearch platform, but generally will return fewer results more suitable for younger users. It contains more than several hundred magazines, plus newspapers, reference books, and multimedia sources for information on current events, the arts, science, popular culture, health, people, government, history, sports, and more - mostly full text and over 1.5 million articles!

The title list is available at http://www.gale.com/title_lists/

BASIC SEARCH:

Have the class go to mel.org, then click on MEL DATABASES. Click on INFOTRAC JUNIOR EDITION.

Point out Library of Michigan and the name of the current database displayed at the top of the search screen.

1. Discuss and point out the default settings and features of the search screen:

a. Basic search defaults to Keyword – users can change radio buttons to Subject or Entire Document (full text).

b. MeL displays some expanded search options:

Limit results:

-Defaults to full text – users can uncheck the box

-Peer-reviewed – users can check the box

-Documents with images – users can check the box

Links across the top have other search options which will be discussed later during the demonstration.

New features introduced in 2009 include the left navigation column with a "dashboard" showing information about the database being searched. This navigation dashboard will change as we do a search.

Hot topic tabs are another new feature. The tabs have several articles on topics editors have selected, and these are updated on a regular basis.

The Basic Keyword search was selected as the MeL default because it should produce results for almost any search entered. Explain that it should be used either for quick results on almost any topic with the default settings, or it can be used to search for a very specific article by using all of the limitation features available.

2. For our demonstration, we will use the default settings. Begin by having the class type the word POLAR BEARS (plural) in the search box, then click on SEARCH.

3. Once the results screen displays, point out the features:

-another suggested subject heading, polar bear (singular). Obviously this varies depending on the search.

-results divided by tabs for different types of sources. Each tab indicates the number of results for that type of source (could be zero).

-a drop down box on the right to sort by Publication Date or by Relevance, and up in the right corner some icons for various tools -- we'll see the same icons in the tool box when we view a specific article

-point out that the left navigation bar has changed. It now offers options to refine results. "Limit by:" has a small arrow pointing right. Have the class click on it to point it down and to display the drop down menu to limit by Subject, Document Type, or Publication Title. Any subject heading links that display here will execute a new search.

-have the class scroll down to see that the left navigation column also has image, video and podcast results related to the search.

4. Have the class look carefully at the type of information provided for each article or item:

Basic citation, length, reading/Lexile level, link to full text and sometimes the PDF version, indication of what type of source this is (way over to the right).

Next point out the Tools box on the right side. This groups several handy functions in a clearly visible way. The new interface added a "share" feature and an MP3 option for all articles. Other handy options are still available such as RSS feeds. Have them click on translate for the drop down menu, pick a language, click the TRANSLATE button, and see how the article is machine-translated. Point out that it opens in a new window, so they need to close the window to go back to the original article. The new interface added 3 languages: Arabic, Polish, and Russian.

With the 2009 release, all articles now have a ReadSpeaker control panel, a blue rectangle just under the tool box. To have a machine read the article, just click on the PLAY button (arrow pointing right). If you think you have time, let the class do this; otherwise, suggest they try it back at their own libraries.

9. Explain that for most articles, there are subject headings available on the left side of the screen. (If someone clicks on an article that doesn't have subject headings, have them go back to the results and try a different article, or just ask them to follow along as you demonstrate). Have the class click on any of the subject headings listed to see how the new search is executed for the topic. Look at the new results list and point out the search string at the top, which has changed to match the new search just completed.

Point out the boxes for each article. Have the class click in 3-4 boxes to mark them. Have the class click on the MARKED ITEMS link (way up at the top left of the page just under the banner) to see the list of articles they checked. Notice that the Tool Box is now on the right side of the list.

Have the class click on email. When the new, smaller window pops up, be sure the class looks at all the defaults and the choices. If wish to, they may type in their email addresses and send the full text (default) of all marked items (remember: it defaults to send all) to themselves. The same is true for the print button, so tell them to be alert to how many things are “marked” before emailing or printing! (don’t print during a class, please).

BROWSE SUBJECTS SEARCH:

1. The results obtained from a keyword search are different than what is obtained from a Browse Subject search.

Have the class click on Browse Subjects in the yellow bar along the top of the page. Point out that users can click on any letter for a very long list of subjects, if they really want to browse that way. Since the lists are so long, we don't recommend that for most searches, especially for younger users who may get lost.

2. Have the class type global warming in the search box again, then click on Search. The recommended use for a Browse Subjects search is when a user has a very broad topic and needs to narrow or focus the search to a more manageable subtopic.

Point out that next the the subject of Global Warming, there is a small plus mark. Have them click on that to break out the subdivisions. Have the class click on the subdivision “Environmental Aspects.” Search results display in the typical fashion. Point out the search string in small text across the page. This helps users remember what they have been doing. In the same line is a blue link for "browse subjects." Have them click on that to return to the results of the earlier search.

Now, next to the heading of Global Warming, have them click on "related subjects" and give them a few minutes to scroll down and review that list. Remind them again the using these types of subject searches can really be useful for users who need to narrow a search or find more specific information.

Do the exercises.